User:Ccurrier123

=== Resources for teaching English Learners ===

— Reading and writing foundational skills for elementary level EL students

 * Learning forms of print (letters, punctuation, symbols) and how they are sequenced to make words, sentences and paragraphs.
 * Scribbling, doodling and drawing are important pre-writing skills that children need.
 * Developing awareness for the sounds used in the English language (phonemic awareness)
 * Decoding letters and combination sounds in words
 * Recognizing sight words that are commonly used in the English language

— Reading and writing instructional strategies for elementary level EL students

 * Consider literacy level in native language to determine starting points
 * Use culturally responsive texts that make it easier for students to comprehend and connect with instruction
 * Model sound production and have students reproduce those sounds on their own
 * Use hands-on materials to practice identifying sounds at the beginning, middle and end of words
 * Thematic instruction: provide lessons and assignments that cross academic subject areas, helping students develop functional and academic literacy skills
 * Scaffolding: teach students material that is just out of their knowledge base, providing them the support to boost their capabilities until it is no longer needed
 * Immerse students in functional reading and writing activities

— Reading and writing technology tools and resources appropriate for elementary EL students at different proficiency levels

 * iPads/tablets and computers/laptops are great for individualizing instruction for the student
 * Web platforms: ABCYa.com, epic!, Storylineonline.net, Khan Academy, Zearn

— Grouping techniques and cooperative learning strategies conducive to elementary grade levels

 * Use collaborative groups: Students might choose their own groups or be placed together based on a mutual interest or activity they want to do. The emphasis here should be on a quality opportunity for the student to hear and use relevant language. Structure of the group is less important.
 * Use cooperative learning strategies: Students are either randomly assigned to a group or are put together to balance skills. Roles are established for each member and can be rotated with each assignment or activity. The goal is to build positive interdependence and for students to share workload while supporting one another.

— Listening and speaking skills for elementary level EL students

 * Allow for the following during the school day to help students acquire language: paired reading, group research projects, group work at learning centers, brainstorm a writing topic, share with entire class and visit quietly with seat neighbors while carrying out other school-related tasks.
 * Use games to create a relaxed atmosphere that includes creativity and fun.
 * Listen to songs, podcasts and other forms that include spoken language.
 * Act out stories or situations presented in all areas of subject material.
 * Other strategies: Think-Pair-Share, choral reading, show and tell

— Grammar and vocabulary development strategies for elementary-level EL students

 * Use Total Physical Response (TPR) strategy, which pairs actions with word meanings to expand vocabulary
 * Use web-based tools: VoyCabulary, Babel Fish, Google Translate
 * Read-alouds help EL students gain exposure to different types of literary texts, develop familiarity with sounds and cadences of the language and develop awareness of the flow of English language.
 * Include word cards and a word wall dictionary into the daily classroom activities.
 * Discuss idioms with all students. This will benefit all in learning the figurative meaning of such sayings.
 * Teach students the meaning of prefixes and suffixes.

— Strategies for comprehensible input, feedback, building background and student engagement

 * Make yourself available to families of ELL students as frequently as possible. Offer to visit the home if appropriate.
 * Learn as much as possible about your EL students' culture and ask questions of them to find out basic information.
 * Use classroom activities strategically to get to know students through activities and assignments.
 * Be a participant and an observer in your own classroom. Take cues from EL students and reflect regularly on development and what is working.
 * Invite EL students to share with the rest of class about their culture, language and life prior to coming to the school.

— Grammar and vocabulary technology tools and resources appropriate for elementary EL students at different proficiency levels

 * A list of web resources: Starfall.com, ESLgamesworld.com, esolhelp.com.
 * Scholastic.com has some excellent online games for work on phonemic awareness, phonics and vocabulary.